2003 Tax Help Archives  

Keyword: Direct Deposit

This is archived information that pertains only to the 2003 Tax Year. If you
are looking for information for the current tax year, go to the Tax Prep Help Area.


1.3 IRS Procedures: Amended Returns & Form 1040X


Can you have an amended return refund deposited into a bank account?

No, if you are due a refund from your amended return, you will receive a paper check.

References:

1.12 IRS Procedures: Refund Inquiries


How long does it take to get a refund back by direct deposit?

If you e-file with direct deposit and have not received your refund within three weeks after filing your return (five weeks if you filed paper with direct deposit), you can check your refund status by logging onto www.irs.gov. Click on "Where's My Refund" then go to "Get My Refund Status." Or, you can call the Refund Hotline at (800) 829-1954. Be sure to have available a copy of your current tax return because you will need to know your social security number shown on your return, the filing status and the exact whole dollar amount of our refund.

Can you direct deposit your refund into someone else's bank account if you do not have a bank account?

No. The account has to be in your name.

Will I be notified when my direct deposit is made or will I have to check with my bank to find out?

You will need to contact your bank to determine when the deposit was made. The deposit will be recorded on your bank statement. However, if you use an automated system to check on your bank account balance, you will know that your refund has been deposited when your balance has increased by the amount of your expected refund.

My ex-spouse owes me child support. How can I find out if he has filed and if I will receive his federal refund this year?

An individual's tax return is protected under the Privacy Act of 1974. Therefore, the IRS is restricted from releasing information concerning your former spouse's account. However, if your state office of child support enforcement has notified the Treasury of a past-due child support obligation, the refund will be offset to pay the debt.

References:

If our tax refund is being taken for back child support my husband owes, how can I file to get back or keep my portion of the refund?

When a joint return is filed and only one spouse owes past-due child support, the other spouse can be considered an injured spouse and can request his or her share of the joint refund. If this situation applies to you, file Form 8379 (PDF), Injured Spouse Claim and Allocation, to recover your share of the joint refund.

You are considered an injured spouse if you:

  • file a joint tax return,
  • have reported income (such as wages, interest, etc.)
  • have made and reported tax payments (such as withholding), or claimed the earned income credit or other refundable credit, and
  • have an overpayment, all or parts of which may be applied against the past-due amount.
  • Refer also to our Frequently Asked Question section on Injured Spouse in the IRS Procedures section.

    References:

    • Form 8379 (PDF), Injured Spouse Claim and Allocation
    • Tax Topic 203, Failure to Pay Child Support and Other Federal Obligations

    What is the legal procedure I need to follow in order to obtain my ex-spouse's tax refund or refunds due to unpaid child support?

    You must file a claim with your local office of child support enforcement. For more information, follow the state link at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Administration for Children & Families Office of Child Support Enforcement.

    References:

    The Child Support Enforcement Agency said I would get my ex-spouse's federal income tax refund if he has one. He owes me child support. I still have had no word about any refund. How can I find out if he filed at all this year?

    An individual's tax return is protected under the Privacy Act of 1974. Therefore, the IRS is restricted from releasing information concerning your former spouse's account. However, if your state office of child support enforcement has notified the Treasury of a past-due child support obligation, the refund will be offset to pay the debt.

    References:

    If I file jointly and my husband owes back child support, will my refund be applied towards his obligation until his debt with children services is paid?

    If you are due a refund but have not paid certain amounts you owe, such as child support, all or part of your refund can be used to pay all or part of the past-due amount. This applies to a joint return. When a joint return is filed and only one spouse owes past-due child and spousal support or a federal debt, the other spouse can be considered an injured spouse and can request his or her share of the joint refund. If this situation applies to you, file Form 8379 (PDF), Injured Spouse Claim and Allocation, to recover your share of the joint refund. You must have received income such as wages, have made tax payments such as withholding, and report the income and tax payments on the joint return.

    References:

    • Form 8379 (PDF), Injured Spouse Claim and Allocation
    • Tax Topic 203, Failure to Pay Child Support and Other Federal Obligations

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